Saab Confirms Possible Use of BMW Motors, Starting With New 222hp Motor

Saab has confirmed the previous rumors that future Saab models may be powered by BMW engines if negotiations between Saab and BMW are successful. The 2012 Saab 9-3 may be the first model to be powered by BMW.

Spyker N.V., the parent company of Saab confirmed the talks with BMW with this official statement:

"Spyker Cars N.V. ("the Group"), a holding company that owns subsidiaries which produce and sell premium automobiles under the Saab and Spyker brands, has noted recent press speculation about the possible supply relationship with BMW. The Group confirms that talks are ongoing and will give further details once a final agreement has been reached."

According to an unnamed source cited by Bloomberg, the 2012 Saab 9-3 will make use of a new 222-horsepower motor that BMW is developing and has not yet been introduced in any of its cars. The next 9-5 would then receive the same engine. Saab is also negotiating the purchase of BMW diesel engines as well as possibly using the MINI Countryman platform for a possible 9-2 premium subcompact.

Yeah i'm actually looking forward to this. As a Saab owner and a BMW owner, i'll be getting the best of worlds. I would love an n54 or n55 shoved in a 9-5 with awd, but more realistically a well sorted 4 banger or a diesel option would be enough for me. I might actually buy one now depending on what the new 9-3 ends up being like, or even the 9-2. I see this as a good chance for both brands to benefit.

...and Volvos are somehow a benchmark for how to build a proper handling car?

Considering the vast majority of BMW drivers don't drive it like they stole it it doesn't really matter where the engine is and which end it drives. I read somehwre that 60% of BMW drivers don't actually know which end is driven.